Released in theaters on July 7, 2021, Black Widow is an action and espionage film directed by Cate Shortland and written by Eric Pearson. Led by Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, and David Harbour, this 24th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe fits into the timeline between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. Available on Disney+ since July 12, 2024, it will air on TF1 on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 9:10 PM.
Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), is forced to confront the darkest parts of her past when an old conspiracy tied to her espionage days resurfaces. On the run from a relentless enemy determined to eliminate her, she must reconnect with lost ties—some decades old—before she ever joined the Avengers. During this high-stakes chase, she reunites with Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Melina Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz), and Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour), a team forced to come together again in the face of a shared threat.
By adopting the conventions of the infiltration thriller, the film centers around the "Red Room" and the Black Widow program, which must be dismantled to break the cycle of control. Blending choreographed action scenes with themes of identity and personal vendettas, the story aims to shed light on a character long shrouded in mystery within the MCU, while also setting the stage for key storylines in Phase 4.
The solo Black Widow movie project took a long time to come together: the rights for the character have been circulating since the early 2000s, and Marvel finally introduced Natasha Romanoff to the big screen with Iron Man 2. After a lengthy selection process, Cate Shortland was chosen to direct, and filming took place between May and October 2019, primarily in the UK (Pinewood Studios), as well as in Norway, Budapest, Morocco, and Atlanta. Originally scheduled for release in 2020, the film's debut was delayed due to the pandemic, with the release ultimately set for summer 2021.
Black Widow appeals to Marvel fans and action movie enthusiasts, especially those with a taste for spy-thriller vibes reminiscent of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The cast also features Ever Anderson as young Natasha, while Florence Pugh delivers a memorable performance as Yelena Belova—who is set to play a significant role in the future of the Marvel universe. Musically, the opening credits stand out with a cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” providing an edgy counterpoint to the film’s espionage and manipulation imagery.
Our Verdict on Black Widow (2022):
Black Widow deviates somewhat from the typical Marvel Studios formula, leaning more towards the style of a spy thriller like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Its straightforward espionage story is simple yet effective, without reinventing the genre. Scarlett Johansson’s performance stands out as always, bringing a playful, cunning personality reminiscent of her character in Avengers. Quite enjoyable overall.
The film also benefits from a brisk, engaging pace, designed to keep the action coming without pause. Visually, it features a cool, somewhat subdued aesthetic that echoes the Cold War atmosphere and the ongoing tensions for the "Red Room," mirroring the movie’s overall mood. A refreshing take that’s likely to satisfy longtime Marvel fans... And of course, don’t leave before the credits finish—there are two post-credit scenes, one of which ties directly into Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, started with the series available on Disney+.
Black Widow
Movie | 2021
Release date in theaters: July 7, 2021
TV Broadcast: TF1, Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 9:10 PM
Action, Adventure, Espionage | Duration: 2h14
Directed by Cate Shortland | Starring Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, David Harbour
Original title: Black Widow
Country of origin: United States
Blending espionage thrillers with the spectacle of a Marvel blockbuster, Black Widow offers an intimate look into Natasha Romanoff’s personal history while expanding her universe on screen. Combining high-octane action, team dynamics, and insights into the “Red Room,” the film serves as a transitional chapter within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, just before the events of Infinity War.
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